Introductory+Paragraph

By Grace Fleming, About.com**
 * The Introductory Paragraph

First impressions are so important. How many times have you heard that? It is true that the first impression—whether it’s a first meeting with a person or the first sentence of a paper—sets the stage for a lasting opinion.

The introductory paragraph of any paper, long or short, should start with a sentence that piques the interest of your readers.

In a typical essay, that first sentence leads into two or three sentences that provide details about your subject or your process. All of these sentences build up to your thesis statement.

The thesis statement is the subject of much instruction and training. The entirety of your paper hangs on that sentence. But its function is to be informative and direct.

This means it’s not normally very exciting.


 * Your First Sentence**

To get your paper off to a great start, you should try to have a first sentence that engages your reader. Think of your first sentence as a hook that draws your reader in. It is your big chance to be so clever that your reader can’t stop.

As you researched your topic, you probably discovered many interesting anecdotes, quotes, or trivial facts. This is exactly the sort of thing you should use for an engaging introduction.


 * __The Rules for today's lesson__**:
 * Each of you have received a number. That number is your team number.
 * When I tell you to, go to the Rotation Spot that is your number. If you have a number 3, go to Rotation 3.
 * Follow the directions at each station.
 * You will move onto the next station after 4 minutes.

__**The team that has the most insightful responses (I am the judge) will win a prize.**__